From Ashes To Scales

After the entire visit to the Church of Light it was already noon by the time we all managed to gather inside my room at the inn. And, as expected it was rather cramped with all of us. I’m just glad the innkeeper wasn't around when we arrived. Coming with so many women would have raised suspicions on me.

That being said…

“Magnus… I honestly don't know if you're a genius for bluffing the Church or an absolute idiot for letting her live.” (Rose)

As expected, when Saphira woke up from the ritual it took Rose some time to adjust to my plan. Meanwhile, Saphira did us the courtesy of using a shape shifting spell specific to demons. I say specific to demons, because each race has what's known as unique magic. Magic that only someone of that race can use. So even if I fully grasp the concept of it, I couldn't use something like that myself. It's like a divine law. And due to that spell, Saphira had the appearance of a regular human girl right now.

“What's wrong? Feeling threatened that the nemesis of mankind is standing right before a holy person like yourself?” (Saphira)

“As if. You could be a frog for all I care. It's just that I already did the math in my head for how much I could have made from your corpse.” (Rose)

“Could you two please get along for the time being?” (Magnus)

“I got nothing against that. I’ll just try seeing the bigger picture and aim for that top pay day.” (Rose)

“I have no objections getting along with everyone either.” (Saphira)

“Saphira-san, should I take it that…”

“Yes. I was skeptical at first, but you really are someone worthy of my trust. I will devote my body, my mind and my soul to you, my lord. Also…”

She gently blushed.

“Thank you for not letting that creepy priest touch my body while I was still imobile.”

It just felt the right thing to do. I sure wouldn't like to be touched by some random creep either. Although I am curious what shady experiment they had in plan.

“Kyaaa!!”

My thought process was suddenly interrupted by Saphira's girly scream. Before I knew it for whatever reason Leona circled behind her and grabbed her breasts.

“Wha-what do you think you're doing?”

“It's obvious. You like hubby too! So I am welcoming you in the pack. Honestly, I am surprised how stacked you are. They're bigger than mine. Don't they get in the way of fighting?”

“Hey!! D-don't rub them like that! Aaaw!”

“Having someone like you on your side is reassuring. But don’t think you'll get in hubby’s pants before me. Here, I’ll mark you. *Nom*”

“Don't bite my ear baka!!”

.

.

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I couldn't make sense of the scene that was taking place before my eyes. Rusalka had a blank expression on her face. It was like she's saying “just give up” or something like that.

“Magnus… are freak shows like this a regular occurrence in your life?” (Rose)

“I wouldn't say regular but… weird stuff does tend to happen from time to time.”

Eventually I managed to calm everyone down. And after Saphira managed to catch her breath I officially welcomed her into the party. With this we were truly 5. Reminds me of my old party, however unlike last time, I’m not sitting in the back. I’m the leader and I feel I can trust these girls.

I just hope I can avoid their shenanigans and won’t get horny. I’m not mentally prepared to lose my virginity just yet.

“By the way, Saphira, what is your preferred weapon type? I know the jewels on your bracelets act as your catalyst, but if I recall you also use weapons.”

“Yes. I am skilled with daggers.”

Daggers, huh?

I raised my hand and made a pair of daggers appear from my storage. Then levitated them towards Saphira.

“Will these suffice?”

Scorpion Stinger

Rank: A+

80% chance to bypass status immunity and inflict poison status

Effectiveness of poison increased by 17%

Speed increases by 4%

Crimson Knight Dagger

Rank: A-

Does 102% extra damage to armor and shields

12% increase to pierce effect

Although not a matching pair these are weapons I looted from the nameless king’s room. I could see Saphira carefully analyzing them.

“These are… quite impressive actually. And the fact that they aren't a matching pair… you intend to have me use them and cover one’s shortcomings with the other. As expected of the lord I chose to serve!! Yes, these are very acceptable!! Although… how did you make them out of thin air?”

“I’ll explain that part later, when we're on the road.”

Eventually I will somehow have to tell them about my storage, but I’ll think about that later. And seriously, Saphira, you're giving me too much credit. I didn't give her the daggers for the reason she mentioned. I gave those because those are the only daggers I had.

Well, with all the praise behind me, I need to make sure it doesn't go to my ego. I get the feeling that the dragon blood in me can have some weird effects if I’m put on such a high pedestal.

A few minutes later, the first thing I took seriously was to organize my money. Adding everything we earned these past weeks we have a total of 2.5 million eris on us. We had more than enough for provisions and renting a carriage. Hopefully it's also enough for renting a ship to take us to Ephiria. I could make more if I were to sell the few weapons I had left looted from the undead king, but I would prefer to use that as a last resort.

And so… we’re actually going to do this, right? I’ve never traveled such a long distance before. It's not like I have emotional attachments to this town, but I am going to miss it. Then again, I most certainly won't miss my rotten family.

But being a ruler… it's easier said than done. I did read a lot of world building novels in my past life, but I can't say that fictional work is going to apply in real life. And even if say that I’ll take care of the the monster that is enslaving the inhabitants, there is no guarantee they will submit to me. But at the same time it's unlikely they won't go against me either. A compromise will be necessary, and thankfully I have these girls to back me up. I could just try fusing all the advice they give me and hope for the best. Making an ideal world… is a high goal. But it's worth it if nobody will suffer like I did.

“Well then, with all that established, I advise you guys to finish whatever business you have in town. Settle whatever score you must. Rusalka, mind coming with me tomorrow? We’ll shop for all the supplies early in the morning.”

“Eep! Master… did you… just ask me… out on a date!? I… have no experience with men… but I’ll do my best!!”

Huh!?

“Ooh! Things are finally starting to spice up? That means I’ll get my turn sooner than I thought!” (Leona)

Just what exactly drove the conversation in this direction again? Oh brother. It's really not easy being in my shoes. Now how am I supposed to diffuse this situation?